Blog Two: Due Monday, June 27th

Read Annie Dillard's short essay, "The Snake" from The Gulf Coast Reader. Then go OUT, with a pair of binoculars if possible). Go to a spot familiar or unfamiliar ... it doesn't matter (AS LONG AS YOU'RE OUTSIDE).

For the first five minutes, notice the big picture. Take notes on what you see. Then, look closely at one area or one object (ideally, using the binoculars). Watch for another five minutes, and then make notes on what you see in the "small" picture. When you get back inside, write up your notes in full sentences, adding in details as you go along.

NOTE: Where ever you go, don't take your laptop. Make notes by hand. Also, make sure you take in every sense and include it in your write-up (smell, taste, touch, sight, sound).

Blog One: Due for Wednesday, June 22nd

Successful writers know their audience, subject matter, reason for writing, and the conventions of standard written English. If your audience is your classmates, your subject matter is yourself, and your reason for writing is to introduce yourself, what would you write? What would you chose to include and what would you exclude?

For Wednesday, write a brief (between 300-500 words) introduction to yourself so that we can get to know each other quickly. Consider what you want to know about your classmates when constructing your introduction. Remember, you'll have a chance to ask questions and respond to each others' introductions in the comments part of the blog entries.

Have fun doing this, but remember to proofread carefully. I look forward to reading these entries!